As a youth and family services officer in the Springfield Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Bureau, Angel Perez pledges to protect and serve the city. But by day, he trades in his uniform, badge and bulletproof vest for the white cloak of a deacon and serves those in his parish in a decidedly different capacity. At St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield he preaches the gospel, assists priests in sacramental duties and leads a prayer group. For more on Deacon Perez, read the debut issue of the Diocese of Springfield Magazine, Catholic Mirror, available in September.